Sage the Dual Boiler is the most affordable dual boiler we've tested so far: currently from around 999 euros. Two boilers, dual PID control, adjustable pre-infusion, programmable volumetrics – and deliberately no integrated grinder. This puts Sage up against La Marzocco, Dalla Corte, and ECM, whose dual boiler espresso machines typically start at 1,800 euros. The model number is SES920, in some markets and data sheets the same machine is listed as BES920.
First things first: The Sage Dual Boiler shows that a retention doesn't have to be expensive to deliver technical class, an impressive range of functions, and good espresso in the cup. Where it falls short, we'll say that just as clearly.
This article consolidates our work on the Sage Dual Boiler. We've thoroughly tested the machine and produced a long test video as well as a shorter summary. More content with tips, tricks, and operating suggestions will follow.
Strengths and weaknesses at a glance
What it does well:
- Temperature stability once the machine is fully heated.
- Heat-up time of 8 minutes – fast for a dual boiler. A flush shot is included.
- Dual PID control for brew boiler and steam boiler, each adjustable separately.
- Programmable volume buttons. You program either the flow time or the flow volume. Even significantly more expensive espresso machines often skip volumetrics.
- Adjustable pre-infusion – in duration and in water volume or pressure buildup. A unique selling point in this price range.
- Dual water tank filling: refill from the top or remove the tank completely from the back.
- No integrated grinder. Sounds like a drawback, is actually one of the biggest advantages: You buy an espresso grinder that suits your machine, and can upgrade later.
- Decent milk pitcher included.
- Good baskets with sensible capacity of 18 to 20 grams.
What's annoying:
- The steam boiler always has to run because it acts as a heat exchanger to preheat the brew boiler water. Even if you only want an espresso.
- Lots of unnecessary accessories included.
- For a Sage, relatively high power consumption. Sage demonstrates with other machines how economical it can be.
- The tamper doesn't close flush with the basket. Too bad, because it stores nicely in the machine.
- Relatively bulky machine, especially in width.
- At 72 decibels relatively loud. More bothersome than the volume itself is the rattling sound during extraction.
What makes the Sage Dual Boiler technically different
The Sage Dual Boiler is not comparable to the other Sage machines we've tested. Sage Barista Express Impress, Sage Barista Pro, Sage Barista Touch, and Sage Bambino Plus don't heat brew water and steam in one boiler, but via thin film heaters. Except for the Bambino, these machines also have a built-in grinder.
With a brew boiler of 0.45 liters and a steam boiler of 0.95 liters, the Dual Boiler takes a different path true to its name. This has pros and cons. Boilers heat more slowly, and power consumption is typically higher. On the other hand, heated boilers are more temperature stable through their thermal mass once they reach their target. Temperature control then demands less of them than with fast-heating and fast-cooling thin film heaters without significant heat storage capacity.
Strategically too, the Dual Boiler charts a different course. It must measure itself against established names in the espresso machine business. While the companies themselves react with sober composure to Sage now swimming in dual boiler waters, hard-core boiler fans are catching their breath.
It's just hard to accept that a manufacturer that shows material difficulties with cheaper models and in our view especially temperature difficulties is presenting a good dual boiler for relatively little money.
And yet we see that as exactly our job: to take a fresh look again and again, to give every machine a fresh perspective, to illuminate strengths and weaknesses. Our goal is to find espresso machines that enable you to make good espresso at home for as little money as possible. The Sage Dual Boiler is such a machine.
Price: What the Sage Dual Boiler costs in 2026
Most dual boilers cost 1,800 euros and more. You can find the Sage Dual Boiler in the EU area currently from around 999 euros, in Switzerland from about 920 francs. It's mainly sold through large online platforms, while specialist retailers rarely list it.
Prices researched on August 11, 2026 via Geizhals (DE, from 999 €) and Galaxus (CH, from CHF 916). Prices fluctuate in retail – check the current price before purchasing.
Buy the machine from a specialist retailer if possible. Ideally from a dealer who measures your machine and helps you with the initial settings. A direct contact person is worth its weight in gold if something goes wrong.
Dimensions and weight: 42 × 37 × 38 centimeters
The Sage Dual Boiler is 42 centimeters wide and 38 centimeters high at the base. The width refers to the entire machine, including the steam wand on the right and the steam valve operation on the left. With our cups on the platform, we reach 43.5 centimeters in height. By the way, quite a lot of cups fit on top, and they warm up nicely. This means the espresso cools more slowly in the cup and the mouthfeel is better.
The body is 37 centimeters deep. Don't forget the portafilter, which extends beyond the machine: we measure 44.5 centimeters including portafilter. So plan your placement space accordingly. At 16 kilos, the Sage Dual Boiler has solid weight and a stable stance. The water tank holds 2.5 liters and can be filled from the top or removed from the back. Practical.
Also practical: If you remove the drip tray, which holds a maximum of 1 liter, a hidden wheel becomes visible beneath it, which can be extended. This allows you to move the machine despite its weight without much effort. Well thought out. For the record: The drip tray can hold more water. But up to 1 liter it's easy to carry and empty, and that's a solid size.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | Sage the Dual Boiler, SES920 (sometimes listed as BES920) |
| Market price | from approx. 999 € / approx. CHF 916 (as of August 2026) |
| Heating system | Dual boiler, steam boiler preheats brew water |
| Brew boiler | 0.45 liters |
| Steam boiler | 0.95 liters |
| Temperature control | Dual PID, both boilers adjustable separately |
| Pre-infusion | Duration and pressure or water volume adjustable |
| Volumetrics | Flow time or flow volume programmable |
| Heat-up time | 8 minutes (plus flush shot) |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 42 × 37 × 38 cm; 44.5 cm depth incl. portafilter, 43.5 cm height with cups |
| Weight | 16 kg |
| Water tank | 2.5 liters, fillable from the top or removable from the back |
| Drip tray | 1 liter, with extendable transport wheel underneath |
| Noise level | 72 dB |
| Baskets | Double basket for 18–22 g according to manufacturer, we recommend 18–20 g |
| Grinder | No integrated grinder |
Heat-up time: 8 minutes plus flush shot
Plan for at least 8 minutes heat-up time, even if the machine signals readiness earlier. After that comes the flush shot, which also heats the portafilter: leave the portafilter locked in and trigger a double water extraction. Only then does the machine work in thermal equilibrium.
The point about the steam boiler is important. It must be turned on because it acts as a heat exchanger to preheat the water for the brew boiler. So if you only drink espresso and want to save on steam, you have no choice here. This is reflected in power consumption.
Set the brew temperature via PID control 1.5 degrees higher. This compensates for the machine not yet being in thermal equilibrium and simultaneously corrects the relatively slow temperature buildup during extraction. The advice applies especially to high-quality, complex, and lighter roasts. With darker, more robust roasts, you can leave the default setting.
Temperature curves and power consumption
You'll find our measurement series according to WBC protocol and the consumption measurement here as graphs:
Pulling espresso: our basic recipe
The included double basket holds 18 to 22 grams of coffee according to the manufacturer. We recommend using only 18 to 20 grams. And we generally recommend double shots: the results are better than from single baskets, and they're easier to dial in.
How the procedure works in detail is explained in the guide Making espresso – Step by step. A necessary tool for adjusting is a scale. With it you program the machine's output amount and simultaneously check the amount of coffee used.
Setting up pre-infusion and volumetrics
This is where the Sage Dual Boiler becomes interesting for everyone who likes to tinker. With pre-infusion you don't just set the duration, but also the water volume or the pressure built up during this phase. This lets you squeeze out some extra flavor from the espresso – especially with lighter roasts that enjoy gentle pre-watering.
With volumetrics you have a choice: program flow time or flow volume. You often won't find volume control on significantly more expensive espresso machines. We set the volume buttons using the scale under the cup and then check a few extractions afterward, because the output amount shifts with the grind size.
Plus small things that make everyday use fun: automatic start time in the morning, separate PID values for brew and steam boiler, and the ability to set the machine with an offset to your coffee profile.
Sage Dual Boiler or Sage Oracle Dual Boiler?
Sage has a second dual boiler machine in its lineup with the Oracle, and the two are regularly confused. The difference is significant – in price and in concept.
The Sage the Oracle Dual Boiler is around 2,600 euros and automates the entire chain from grinding to milk frothing. It has an integrated grinder, heats up in about 4 minutes, and achieves 86 out of 120 points in our test. The weak point: The dosing accuracy of the built-in grinder varies, and that costs reproducibility.
That's exactly where the cheaper Dual Boiler's strength lies. It has no grinder – and leaves you the choice. For the difference of around 1,600 euros, you buy a very good espresso grinder and still have money left over.
| Machine | Price | Grinder | Heat-up time | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sage the Dual Boiler | from approx. 999 € | none | 8 minutes | Anyone who wants to dial in themselves and choose the grinder freely |
| Sage the Oracle Dual Boiler | approx. 2,600 € | integrated | 4 minutes | Users upgrading from a fully automatic machine who want convenience |
For those looking even more toward convenience, you'll find a third option in our Sage Oracle Jet test. And if you want to place the Sage Dual Boiler in a larger context: In the overview of all dual boiler espresso machines you'll find over 30 tested machines with measured values side by side.
Where you can buy the Sage Dual Boiler
We don't sell espresso machines ourselves – deliberately, so we can test independently. The Sage Dual Boiler is mainly sold through large online platforms. Specialist retailers rarely list it or don't show it online.
Our advice remains: Ask a local specialist shop first. If that doesn't work, the platforms are the pragmatic route. Pay attention to what warranty you get – some retailers offer five years on the machine.
And if you're looking for a matching grinder: The combination of Dual Boiler and a separate grinder is the real appeal of this machine. You'll find our recommendations in the overview of espresso grinders for home use.
Frequently asked questions about the Sage Dual Boiler
No. It has two separate boilers each with their own PID control, one for espresso with 0.45 liters and one for steam with 0.95 liters. The steam boiler does preheat the water for the brew boiler – that's why it always has to run. A saturated group works differently: it has only one boiler and a heat exchanger in it.
8 minutes, even if the display signals brew readiness earlier. After that you should do a flush shot with the portafilter locked in. If you want to extract faster, set the PID temperature 1.5 degrees higher.
According to the manufacturer, 18 to 22 grams fit in the included double basket. We recommend 18 to 20 grams and aim for 36 to 45 grams of espresso in the cup at roughly 25 seconds.
The machine has no integrated grinder, so you're free to choose. We recommend a grinder that grinds espresso-fine and consistently – you'll find specific models in the overview of espresso grinders for home use. Sage itself offers the Smart Grinder Pro as a pairing, sometimes sold as a bundle under the name "the Dynamic Duo".
In the EU area from around 999 euros, in Switzerland from about 920 francs (as of August 2026). That makes it significantly cheaper than most dual boilers, which start at 1,800 euros.
We measure 72 decibels. More bothersome than the volume itself is the rattling sound during extraction.
Conclusion
The Sage Dual Boiler disproves a misconception: a dual boiler doesn't have to cost 1,800 euros to work technically sound. Two separately controllable boilers, adjustable pre-infusion, and programmable volume buttons – that's a feature set that significantly more expensive machines have to measure up to.
Who is it for? For anyone who wants to dial in espresso themselves and choose the grinder freely. If you wait 8 minutes to heat up and do a flush shot, you get a temperature-stable machine with lots of room for adjustment. If you need to be done in 30 seconds in the morning, you're better off with a thin film heater.
Where it falls short: The steam boiler always has to heat along, power consumption is high for a Sage, it's wide, and at 72 decibels it's not quiet. The rattling extraction sound bothers more than the pure volume. And the tamper doesn't close flush – a detail that shouldn't happen on a machine with these ambitions.
Value for money: Strong. For around 999 euros plus a good grinder, you get a setup that doesn't have to hide from machines at twice the price. That's exactly why we keep working with it.
Feel free to write in the comments what your experience with the machine is. That supplements our test and helps others interested in it.
Thanks in advance,
Michel and Benjamin
As always, we sourced this espresso machine ourselves. This test was not requested by Sage.
